Vea patrón (o Patrón)

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Vea patrón' is a poignant exploration of the hardships faced by laborers under the oppressive watch of their employers, or 'patrones'. The song, structured as a milonga—a traditional musical genre from the Rio de la Plata region—uses vivid imagery and a repetitive refrain to emphasize the relentless exploitation and the emerging consciousness among the workers.

The lyrics repeatedly address the 'patrón', highlighting the stark contrast between the employer's gains and the worker's suffering. Phrases like 'esa sombra que tirita tras sus reses' and 'sudor trenzado con otros peones' paint a vivid picture of the laborers as mere shadows, worn and intertwined with each other in their toil. This depiction not only underscores their dehumanization but also the collective nature of their struggle. The recurring line 'ahí va su peón' serves as a somber reminder of the worker's resigned fate under the patron's control.

However, the song also hints at a potential uprising. The transformation of the worker's shadow into a 'daga' (dagger) in the final verses suggests a turn from passivity to active resistance. This metaphor of a shadow turning into a weapon encapsulates the potential for change and revolution, indicating that the workers' growing awareness might eventually lead to their emancipation. Zitarrosa's use of the milonga form, traditionally associated with the common people, further reinforces the song's message of solidarity and resistance among the oppressed.